Aug. 11, 2013
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2013 Iowa Volleyball First Practice
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa volleyball opened 2013 with a day of practice on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The energy level was high throughout the team’s first day on the court as players are excited for another season to compete in a Hawkeye uniform.
“Overall (our first practice) was really successful,” said senior Nikki Dailey. “We have a lot of competitors here. You always have high expectations that everyone is going to want to compete at a high level. Everyone came in here today with a high energy level, and I am really proud of how it went.”
After a summer of open gyms, the team appreciated having the coaching staff back to push them.
“It’s really fun,” said senior Rachael Bedell. “It’s nice to be back in the gym with coaches around. We’ve had open gyms with the players, but it’s nice to have them light that competitive fire under us and have the whole team together.”
The Hawkeyes began the day with strength testing followed by a morning practice session and finished with a second practice in the evening. Throughout the day, head coach Sharon Dingman was also impressed with the group’s ability to compete and maintain its energy level.
“I think this is my 29th year to have a first day of practice and for 29 years I’ve probably said the same thing,” said Dingman. “We had great energy and great focus. Every coach would probably say that about their first practice. I loved our energy. The challenge is, ask me that a week from now. That is the challenge that our team has. How do they maintain this kind of energy from now until December. But I love what I’ve seen so far.”
Iowa opens the regular season at the Chanticleer Invitational, Aug. 30-31, in Conway, S.C. The squad will face Wofford, Youngstown State and host Coastal Carolina.